June launch for 30-baht medical treatment

PHUKET: The Thaksin government’s scheme to provide medical treatment for Thai citizens at 30 baht per hospital visit will become available in Phuket from June 1. Dr Jessada Chaikunwat, Deputy Chief of the Phuket Provincial Health Office (PHO), explained that dates will soon be announced on which Thais who wish to join the scheme may go either to the PHO or to their local district office to sign up for the coveted “Gold Card”. They should bring their ID card and house registration document with them. Any Thai from another province wishing to get a Gold Card in Phuket must be able to show that he or she has been in Phuket for at least six months. Phuket is one of five provinces that will introduce the scheme on June 1, the others being Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai, Songkhla and Nong Bua Lumpu. The scheme has been available in six others – Phayao, Samut Sakhon, Yala, Yasothorn, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Sawan – since April 1.